Cherry Pie Bars
Enjoy the comforting flavors of cherry pie in a more portable form with these easy-to-make cherry pie bars. Perfect for any occasion, they balance a buttery crust with a tart cherry filling.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, barely softened provides moisture and richness
- ¾ cup granulated sugar adds sweetness and structure
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
- ½ teaspoon almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour forms the base structure
- ½ teaspoon baking powder helps with rising
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt balances sweetness
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling offers moisture and flavor
- ½ cup powdered sugar used for icing, adds sweetness
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract light flavor note in the icing
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream adjusts the icing consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until just incorporated.
- Reserve about one cup of the dough for the topping, then press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed dough.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling evenly.
- Place the baking pan in a preheated oven and bake until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, almond or vanilla extract, and milk or cream to create icing. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
Notes
Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness. These cherry pie bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.